Helly Hansen might have made its name in snow gear, but the brand’s rain jackets make the perfect wet-weather companion too.
Women’s Moss Iconic Waterproof Jacket (Photo: Helly Hansen)
Founded over 140 years ago, Helly Hansen has become a go-to brand for outdoors enthusiasts. Impermeable to wind, water and snow, the Norwegian-based brand comes up trumps when it comes to downpours and showers too. Most jackets feature 2-layer construction and boast handy features, like smart ventilation, backpack-compatible construction and storm-proof zips. There’s a wide variety of rain jackets to choose from, each designed for specific situations, from backcountry skiing to spring showers. We’ve compared five of the most popular Helly Hansen rain jackets to help you decide on the best option for your needs.
Women’s Moss Iconic Waterproof Jacket
Looking for a jacket that will see you through a downpour but won’t set you back several hundred dollars? The best-selling Moss could be just the ticket. Inspired by the 1950s Helly Hansen fisherman’s raincoat, the jacket features the latest version of the brand’s waterproof PU fabric technology, first developed in 1949. Fully wind and waterproof, it features welded seams, shock cord adjustment at the hood and adjustable cuffs and bottom hem to keep you bone-dry. It’s part of the Helox collection, which comes with a colour-matched PU repair kit for wear and tear too. The jacket comes in four cheery colours: ‘Heather’(lavender), ‘Jade Esra’ (floral), ‘Essentially Y’ (yellow) and black. From $75.
Women’s Juell Storm Waterproof Jacket
Women’s Juell Storm Waterproof Jacket (Photo: Helly Hansen)
This 2-layer rain jacket doesn’t put a foot wrong. Designed for everyday use, the HELLY TECH® PERFORMANCE outer layer protects you from precipitation while the membrane allows moisture to escape from your body for maximum breathability. Underarm ventilation zippers allow you to release heat as and when needed too. It’s a good-looking jacket, with a clean urban aesthetic that won’t make you look like you’ve stumbled off a mountain when you’re shopping in town either. The jacket is currently available in ‘Bright Blue’, ‘Deep Fjord’ and a more minimalist black. From $110.
Women’s Rapide Windbreaker Jacket
This light, breathable and very comfortable windbreaker jacket is technically designed to hold its own against the wind, but it does a good job of keeping out rain out too. It’s perfect for keeping to hand in any size of bag and packs down small, making it a good option for spring showers or slightly soggy days when the temperatures are warmer. It doesn’t have a layered fabric construction like the other Helly Hansen entries on this, so it’s not one for serious downpours, but it can serve as an excellent cover from light drizzle thanks to its DWR treatment. The jacket is available in mint green and deep blue. From $130.
Women’s Valkyrie Soft Fleece-Lined Rain Jacket
Women’s Valkyrie Soft Fleece-Lined Rain Jacket
(Photo: Helly Hansen)
This chic rain jacket is ideal for those cold, damp in-between days. Stylish and comfortable, the jacket features a super soft fleece lining for extra warmth and HELLY TECH® Protection for rain and wind protection. It’s slightly longer than most rain jackets, with a drop hem that comes well below the bottom of an average-height woman for added insulation. The front zipper features a storm flap and the cuffs are elasticated for extra protection. Like all Helly Hansen jackets, it is made from PFC products too, so it’s as good for the planet as it is for your hair. From $180.
Women’s Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket
Those looking for a rain jacket that can withstand backcountry skiing, hiking and mountaineering will be hard-pressed to find better than the Verglas Inifinity Jacket. It’s a best-seller for good reason. Made with the brand’s LIFA INFINITY™ technology and constructed with a recycled face fabric and a PFC-free durable water-repellent treatment, it offers impressive protection against wind, rain and snow. The latest version features a helmet, backpack and harness-compatible design, as well as a RECCO transponder, which makes you searchable if you get trapped in an avalanche. At just under £400, it certainly isn’t cheap, but it goes a long way with durability and was clearly built to last. From $280.